Free Star Rover-Chosen to Die (Lens of Time) by Saxon Andrew

your confidence in me but…”
    “Your brothers said they would not accept the command. They insist that you are best qualified to lead the new Fleet.”
    Angel stared at the three Admirals and said, “Don’t you think my brothers and I are a little too young to do this? I don’t think most ship commanders would want to report to a teenager.”
    “We’re sent the recording of your battle out to the fleets and asked for volunteers to join your unit. We need nine thousand and have had twenty thousand requests come in during the first hour; they’re still coming in as we speak.”
    Angel’s eyes widened; she opened her mouth and then closed it. She didn’t know what to say. Admiral Matthews said, “Do you have someone in mind to command the third unit?”
    “Captain Stone would be my first choice; he knows as much about the new systems as my brothers and I.”
    Gibbs looked at the others, “He was impressive during the battle.” Gibbs looked at Angel, “You will have a Fleet Commander’s Jukebox built for you and it will be delivered shortly. You should go and meet with your brothers and start planning how to get your units trained to make maximum use of the new systems.”
    Angel saluted and did an about face. She left the room and then started sprinting to her shuttle. She needed to tell her crew what had happened and tell Stone about his promotion. He was going to be ecstatic.

Chapter Five
    A ngel arrived on board and went straight to her quarters. She used her communicator to call Captain Stone in and waited for him to arrive. She was afraid of her new position and elated at the same time. Captain Stone came in and she had a huge smile. He saw it and smiled, “They let you stay!”
    “Not really.” Stone’s smile disappeared. “They’ve promoted me to Rear Admiral and gave me a fleet to command. I’ve requested that you take command of the third unit and they agreed to promote you to Commodore. You’ll take command of the Wellington and I’m going to be given a Fleet Flagship.”
    Captain Stone went to attention and said, “I humbly refuse the promotion, Sir.”
    Angel stared at him with her mouth open and managed to say, “You what?”
    “I refuse the promotion, Sir.”
    “Why?”
    “I am your Executive Officer; wherever you go, that is where I should be.”
    “But…but…”
    “I’m sorry, Sir.”
    Angel stared at Stone and saw something in his eyes. “How old are you?”
    Stone’s head went back and he said, “Twenty five, Sir.” Angel nodded and Stone said, “Why do you ask?”
    “I’ve been blind, haven’t I?” Stone’s face showed his anxiety. “How long have you felt like this?”
    “About six months, Sir.”
    Angel nodded. She looked at Stone and said, “I really need you. The third unit must be commanded by someone that will fit in with me and my brothers. You are the perfect choice to do that. This crew needs you. You have to take the position.”
    Stone looked at the floor and shook his head, “If I have to take command of the third unit then you will have to stay and I’ll go to another ship. Why do you have to take a new ship when this one is perfect for you? Can’t Fleet modify the Wellington to be your Flagship?”
    Angel looked at Stone and said, “That is a great idea.”
    “The crew will be extremely happy if you can make that happen, Sir.”
    Angel looked at Stone and said, “So everyone will be happy except you.” Captain Stone nodded. “What is your first name, Captain?”
    “Bret.”
    “Well Bret, do you really think you can be happy following in my shadow?”
    “As long as you’re the one making the shadow, I can.”
    “Then you are going to have to find someone else to take the third unit that would be able to work effectively with us. You will be promoted to Commodore; my executive officer will have that rank. However, if you can find someone to take the position, we will stay together.”
    Bret started smiling and said, “Let’s see who I